Bad Ankle Sprain and Torn Ligaments and we leave in 5 days!

[pmilner]

Well, now I have gone and done it.

Yesterday, I went and injured my ankle and we leave for WDW on Monday.

I was stepping from the house out into the garage and missed the step - left ankle is badly sprained with torn ligaments and my right hamstring hurts like the dickens - when I missed the step, I pulled the right leg.

I was to the ER last night - had X Rays. It has a pressure thing on it to keep the swelling down and have to go back tomorrow to have it checked.

Called WDW tonight and asked for a ground floor room at POFQ - they were very helpful and accommodated me. The CM also said that if I bring a doctor's note, I can get special entrance to the rides, but I am not about to do that - I will just hobble about.

I am really miffed though and I hope this goes away quickly. The doctor said they may put an 'air cast' on tomorrow. Sounds like fun.

Any other recommendations from you fine folks?

Thanks.

 

[disvaclub92]

I would check out the Disabilities FAQ. They have some great phone numbers for scooters. I would recommend using one. We had one for my mother and she loved it. Walker Medical will deliver to your hotel and leave with the bell man.

Good Luck to you.

 

[kilee]

I would bring the doctors note you may need it. It's not that you're going to get on the rides any sooner. Rather they can let you wait where you can sit, ect. It will allow you to get a GAC (guest assistance card). Like I said, it's not abusing the system. As you'll still be waiting what you were going to wait in the first place. It will allow them to stop a ride for you to load-- as you may need extra time. Things like that.

I hope you still have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[CrazedDisFan]

I agree, make scooter arrangements or add $30 a day to rent one at the parks just in case. Feel better!

 

[pmilner]

Thanks.

I will look into the scooter, but I don't want to be a bother to anyone.

I just took the tension bandage off to look at the ankle and it is a mess! It is bruised all the way from the front of my foot, around the ankle bone and up the back of my leg. Just lovely! After I took the bandage off, I could tell it was starting to swell up even more. I cannot see my ankle bone on the left foot. *Sigh*

Thank goodness I have all of my errands done and my Mum and son will be glad to help with packing.

I am okay as long as I stay on level ground, but as soon as I try to take a step up or down - owie!!!!!!

I have been saving for 11 years for this trip - my son is 11 and I started a bank account for Disney the week that he was born. There is no way I am going to let a silly thing like a sprained ankle ruin a 3 week trip.

We are at POFQ for the first week, AKL for a couple of nights and Homewood Suites for the rest of the time.

My Mum, who is 64, never gets excited about anything but I could tell tonight that she is getting really excited - which is great!

Thank you for any help you can/will provide and I will look into the Guest Assitance Card - as long as I am not inconveniencing other people. Just because I have a sore ankle is no reason for me to 'jump a line' and I would be thankful just for a place to sit and wait.

Again, thank you for your advice.

 

[idofabric]

My ankles and I do not get along, and I really messed mine up on vacation to Scotland over Easter this year.
Get the Doctor note! I had to have a wheelchair in the '80's due to another ankle injury. At that time we did not need a DR.note. We would now.

So just plan to take a little more time- you will be doing your self a big favor! And take the stupid, dumb air cast if they give you one, but be very carefull that you don't get blisters from it. I did with my last one on my leg- and it was made worse with the Florida heat/humity. I could only get my Crocs on with the air cast and swelling. It is still very swolden. Not hurting now, but it is still numb at times.

Take any and all Pain Meds! If the DR has not given you some yet, ask for them- and get a variety if you can...Not that you will use them. But if you hurt and don't have anything then it can spoil your trip. And if you think you need a pain med, then you prob. do... I hate to take them , but they can and do make a difference between a trip you will enjoy, or one you are miserable all the time!

Make double sure you drink a ton more water then you THINK you want/need. The DR. told me to do this to help keep the swelling down. And it kinda helped, I think.. at least it did not hurt!

Check and make sure the air cast or any wraps you are using are not cutting off circulation. Do this at least 3 times a day, or each time you sit down and can check- like bathroom breaks.

Remember that each WDW park/area has Medical Services. Use them if you need to! And if you are staying on site they can get an in room Dr. Other wise the Hosp at Celebration has treated my ankle/leg, DH and DS hearts, and we have had great service from them. So take your Medical/Insurance cards or copies.

You might want to check with your DR if they know a collegue down in Orlando. Or with Med/Insur if any plans you have are covered down there.

Having written all this- you prob. won't need a thing I have mentioned! I hope! Have a great time, but take it a little slower this trip- see all the indoor/sit down things you might have missed before. Use this as an excuse to have everyone else wait on you for a change? HAHAHHEHEHAH! Like that will happen!

Best of luck!

 

[TIGGER'SFRIEND]

Oh I feel for you, I did the same thing last week and it has been a real hassle. Keep doing what the docs tell ya, especially the pressure wrap, will keep that swelling down. Definetly check into the scooter , rest is the most important thing now. You will still have a great time, just be careful. Your fellow GIMP!!!!!! Chris

 

[hotveggy]

R.I.C.E.
Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate... Do this from now until you leave and hopefully it will get a bit better. I am a physical therapist and can tell you that the old saying "a sprain can be worse than a break/fracture" is usually true. Sounds like you did a good job on your ankle.

I would get the MD's note just in case and probably look into a wheelchair or scooter. It is understandable that you don't want to bother anyone; however, if you are not better and can't walk as much as a vacation at WDW requires, then you will end up being more of a bother than if you just sat in the chair...
just my advice.
throwing some pixie dust your way so you will magically get better!

 

[jonestavern]

Sorry to hear about yr injury --I'll bet it's more than just a little painful
DH, who is in his early 40's & very fit, has had repeated ankle injuries so he's been thru this. Please bring the Dr.'s note, most likely after a few hrs in the park you'll be patting yrself on the back that you did ( & yr traveling companions will also! ). Should it happen, don't wait until you're desperate to rent a wheelchair, just do it if you must, even if you only use it a few hrs per day. When DH tried to push himself he'd end up paying for it the next day--or even within 6-8 hrs. You can get around this & have a great time if you take advantage of all those small but helpful things that are out there to ease yr pain. POFQ has a 'fridge for those ice packs & get an insulated carrier so you can pack out a few--DH says they're a Godsend
I know we all think we need to be just about 'laid out' before we do the most elementary things for ourselves, but that is just a waste of yr vacation time. All injuries are so vastly different, I can only say DH needed airsplint, ice packs & OTC pain meds for a couple of weeks. After a day at work & at night, he liked to elevate his foot. He is certainly no 'baby' when it comes to injuries, either.
You're vacation is so special & yr health is so, too, so take advantage of what is out there & you'll have a FANTASMIC trip!
Please let us know how you are doing! Best Wishes for a speedy recovery!

Jean

 

[mill4023]

Depending on the severity of the sprain, you'll probably be able to walk around on it 5 days from now. But you are NOT going to be able to walk the 10 miles a day that is typical for a disney park. Trust me, you will want a wheelchair or scooter. I sprained my ankle last summer 4 weeks before a Disneyland trip. By the time 4 weeks had passed, I was feeling pretty good. We spent one full open to close day at DL and I managed, but by the end of the day, my ankle was hurting and for the next couple of days, it was very sore. And this was 4 weeks later and after only one day in a park. So please make arrangements. Even if you are ok to stand in lines, you will still want a wheelchair for getting around the park. Do not feel guilty about accepting extra assistance. This extra assistance is provided so all guests, even those with disabilities or injuries, can still enjoy their time at WDW.

 

[ksoehrlein]

Yesterday, I went and injured my ankle and we leave for WDW on Monday.

I was stepping from the house out into the garage and missed the step.

I am SO sorry! I did the exact same thing last year (also going from house to garage), 4 days before I took my 1.5-yo and 4-yo to WDW by myself. My injuries weren't as severe as yours, but OMG did it hurt, and I was really nervous about all the walking I had ahead of me. I did R.I.C.E. whenever possible before and during the trip. I also had a CAM walker (a removable walking cast), which I put on every night when we returned to our room, and hobbling along on it gave my ankle some much needed rest and compression.

I was very lucky that I didn't need to rent a scooter or wheelchair -- especially with a toddler to keep up with, but in your case I wouldn't hesitate. In my case, our double stroller served as a makeshift walker and actually made limping around the parks much easier.

A million years ago, when DH and I first started dating, he had sprained his ankle very badly right before a WDW trip. Although I kept telling him to rent a wheelchair, he wanted to "tough it out." Around 3:30 that afternoon, he finally gave in, rented a wheelchair at the park (no doctor's note required, BTW), and had a much more enjoyable time for the remainder of the day.

Good luck, and best wishes for a complete, speedy recovery!

 

[InstImpres]

As someone who doesn't get along with my ankles, I recommend a scooter before you think you need it. If you try to "be brave" as long as possible, the pain WILL NOT subside. If you use the scooter to get around, you can still walk little bits where it is easier to "park the scooter". I highly recommend that you think carefully about trying to walk it all.

I had to do a scooter a few trips ago and it was fine. I actually regretted not renting from an offsite company because sometimes getting from the hotel room to the parks is worse than around the parks. I called for one to be delivered by day 3

JMHO
Sandy

PS Consider asking your Ortho for a temp handicapped parking permit. (In NJ you get the application from the police dept than have it signed by the Dr., than back to the police)

 

[pixiedust23]

If you dont want to bother anyone or be ahassle then youre going to want the scooter. Trust me I'm also cursed with the bad ankles and I have to say walking on it for this long this soon...well no good will come of it. You'll be miserable, you'll make everyone else miserable. Live the luxorious life of a scooter girl and watch all the other people be jealous of you!

 

[zdad]

Ouch, painful just to read. A few thoughts that come to mind (I'm not long of a right knee reconstruction, so I have many of these in place for our trip next week)

Ice the ankle EVERY TIME you get back to the hotel. It is important, especially when you don't think you need it. Tkae a few ziplock bags with you and fill them with icy water.

When lounging around, at the park or the hotel, be very aware of keeping weight off the ankle. Also, rest it above your waistline when possible.

Use a compression wrap of somekind. If the air cast comes off, even if you get one of the pre formed ankle ace bandages from Eckerd, it will help. Some of the help is psychological, some is real, but you need both.

Have your spouse (or 11 yo DS) massage your calves each evening. The calves take a beating with leg injuries. Keeping them loose and releasing the lactic acid that builds up is very recuperative. If POFQ has a hot tub, use it in the evening.

Sounds like you have a wonderful WDW experience planned. Enjoy it to the hilt. Take advantage of any disability opportunities that will aid in your recovery.

Enjoy you time.

Z

 

[SuzEm]

Do not try to overdo - the sprain will heal fairly quickly - the torn ligaments will not and will be your primary source of pain. I did the very same thing several years ago, turned my ankle sidways into a pothole, sprained ankle and torn ligaments and broke some bones in the ankle. The doctor told me the broken bones and sprain would be a piece of cake compared to the torn ligaments. I was on crutches for a few days, then they said I could walk on it, which I did depsite the fact it hurt like he**! As it turned out, I was walking on it too soon and developed stress fractures in my foot. I don't mean to alarm you, but this happened in June - I was still in the "moon boot" and in pain in October! I was able to go w/o the boot by November, but none of my shoes fit. It was a year before my foot was back to normal and without pain. It was all because of the torn ligaments - not the broken bones and sprain. So be very careful and don't overdo. You're going to find that standing for any period of time, even with no weight on it, is going to be painful and cause swelling. I would just go ahead and count on a wheelchair or ECV - you'll be better off in the long run.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Ouch - poor you.

Two years ago, a week before our trip over to Florida, I broke two toes. The A&E (that's our ER over here in the uk!) said no walking for two weeks. I explained where we were heading and he said I could only go if I promised to get a wheelchair.

Well, nothing and no-one was going to stop me on our trip, so I did get wheelchairs in the parks each day. Felt a little odd, I must admit, but at the end of the day it meant we could all enjoy our holiday - and we did

Hope your ankle will be well on the way by the time you go, it should be easier for you. Make sure you always have access to some ice (I used to ask the CMs on the drinks stores and put some in a ziplock bag - wonderful), it will help to ease any swelling from the heat.

 

[mill4023]

Do not try to overdo - the sprain will heal fairly quickly - the torn ligaments will not and will be your primary source of pain.

I'm not sure what you think a sprain is, but it IS the torn ligaments.

"A sprain occurs when stress is applied while the ankle is in an unstable position, causing the ligaments to overstretch or tear

Sprains are classified by degrees:

first-degree: involving stretching of ligamentous fibers
second-degree: involving a tear of some portion of the ligament with associated pain and swelling
third-degree: complete separation of the ligament"

So the fact that the OP has torn ligaments means it's a second degree sprain.

 

[SuzEm]

In all the months I was dealing with doctors and therapists - they never called what I had a sprain - by any degree. So forgive my ignorance. Regardless of my ignorance, I've had numerous sprained ankles and they were nothing compared to the torn ligaments (doctor's words - not mine). It was also the doctor that told me the torn ligaments would take much longer to heal and cause more pain than the broken bones. Based on your expertise, I must have had a third degree sprain, because I was out of commission and either on crutches or in a boot for close to 5 months, with continued swelling and pain for close to a year. Hence my suggestion that she not overdo and walk on it too soon like I did.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

The CM also said that if I bring a doctor's note, I can get special entrance to the rides, but I am not about to do that - I will just hobble about.

Are you kidding me?!?! You are the poster child for why Disney allows people to the front of the line. I would never wish to get injured before a trip, but if I was, I would totally take advantage of anything that Disney provided to make my trip more enjoyable. Front of the line privledges, while not available on all rides, has got to be the #1 perk!!! I don't think that anyone here would begrudge you a little extra TLC!!! In spite of it all, I hope you have a great trip!!

 

[twojo21]

ouch i feel your pain. this happened to me before our september 03 trip at akl. i was walking the dog 6 days before our trip when i twisted my right ankle & tore my ligaments when i tripped. i was in so much pain. the doctor said it would be it least 2 months before it would heal & i was in a air cast for those 2 months & a boot to help me walk around as i am a dummy with crutches. i didnt want to be miserable, tired or sore on vacation so i called disney & changed our vacation to november. i am so happy i did that as me & my fiance were both able to truelly enjoy our vacation, i had no cast or boot & i was able to walk & get around comfortably.

best of luck.